There is a point on the island of St. Kitts, just below Timothy Hill, where the white-capped Atlantic Ocean and the calm Caribbean Sea are separated by a slender spit of land less than half a mile wide. It’s an apt illustration of St. Kitts, where, like these two bodies of water, both rugged adventure and refined relaxation coexist — and often overlap — to create an ideal island destination.
St. Kitts is all about the complete experience. And whether that means awakening your sense of adventure on a hiking trail, coral reef, or surfboard, or surrounding yourself in sumptuous boutique hotels on the beach or in the mountains, spas, saunas, and private sunset cruises, St. Kitts delivers.
Here’s how best to enjoy the island.
LAND ADVENTURES
What’s better than mountains? How about mountains with hiking trails where you can climb your way to waterfalls, a dormant volcano, a fruit orchard, and to stunning overlooks.
Some trails are easy to navigate on your own. One is the track to Shitten Bay, a hidden cove that overlooks the endless Caribbean Sea. It will take about an hour to climb up and down the scrub-covered hills that lead across the peninsula from Major’s Bay, but once you arrive, you’ll discover a crescent of footprint-free sand. Bring your snorkel gear: fish flock to the partially submerged shipwreck that sits just off the beach. Another is Lawyer Stephen’s cave and waterfalls. The three-hour in-and-out trail climbs 1,300 feet into the rainforest to a small cave, before continuing on to a waterfall. It’s muddy but fun.
Guides can take you to some of St. Kitts’ more challenging trails, including Mt. Liamuiga, the dormant volcano that marks the island’s highest point. Don’t be surprised when a military-style vehicle arrives to take you up the mountain to Liamuiga Natural Farm where coffee, citrus, guavas, and passionfruit, as well as herbs and vegetables like rosemary, sage, and thyme are grown in the fertile land that lies 1,500 feet above sea level. Come hungry — you’ll dine well on the farm’s “soil to soul” teas, pickles, vegetable broth, noodles, carrots, pancakes, cheese, and coffee ice cream — and bring your walking shoes for a hike through acres of gardens and orchards and a waterfall.
Zoom along dirt tracks, up and down mountains, and along forested trails aboard one of Sunny Blue Rentals’ scooters, dune buggies, or ATVs. The road-approved vehicles are also a cool way to explore small towns and villages; check out beaches, or cruise over to one of St. Kitts’ historic sites, botanical garden, and, at the northern end of the island, dramatic black beaches and rock formations. Sky Safari’s five different zip lines don’t just fly over the forest: you’ll also get a bird’s-eye view of the Old Road Rum Distillery as you cruise over the historic Wingfield Estate. You can also ride horseback under the shady canopy, plucking ripe mangoes from the trees as you go.
Plan Your Trail-to-Table Getaway
Lucky visitors to St. Kitts have easy access to both the placid Caribbean and the roaring Atlantic. In other words, two oceans’ worthy of adventure on a single island.
Snorkeling sites abound on St. Kitts — turtles and bright tropical fish love to gather near Cockleshell Bay — but if you want to take it to the next level, there are water sports shops that offer hobie cat sailing, SCUBA diving, surfing, parasailing, kite boarding, and foilboarding which is like flying across the water.
In March, you can join open-water enthusiasts as they swim from Nevis to St. Kitts. The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim is a 2.5-mile expanse of scenic water of the “Narrows” strait between the sister islands. And though it might not represent the longest or most difficult channel swim in the world, it might be one of the prettiest. Swimmers will see a coral garden, stingrays, and schools of colorful fish through the clear waters.
To enjoy the sea without the adrenaline, choose to snorkel and sail, sun on the open deck of a catamaran, or cruise over to Nevis to explore the beach bars along Pinney’s Beach and have lunch at one of the island’s many plantation inns.
WHERE TO EAT AND STAY
If it’s seaside serenity you’re after, make your way to Park Hyatt Christophe Harbour, which sits on a stretch of white-sand beach that offers unobstructed views across the Narrows to emerald-green Nevis. By day, unwind in a breezy cabana on the beach or at the adults-only Rampart Pool, which was constructed around a series of dramatic stone archways; have lunch delivered to your chaise or dine at Fisherman’s Village, which overlooks the sea. There’s also a pampering spa that utilizes local salt, bamboo, and volcanic stones to enrich each treatment. In the evening, create private custom dining experiences at one of the pool pavilions, on the beach, or at the Chef’s Table.
Modernist rooms have ocean views and warm wood accents; some have private plunge pools and all are large enough to accommodate a massage or dining table should you want to enjoy the resort from the comfort of your private space.
It’s all about intimacy at the sustainably minded Sunset Reef Resort, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Though it has fewer than 20 rooms, you’ll find plenty of amenities including a spa with hot-and-cold plunge facilities, firepits, natural sand beach, expansive pool overlooking the ocean, and, each evening, the fiery sunset. The resort offers a wide variety of excursions, including trips to St. Kitts’ famous beach bars, fishing adventures, and private snorkel tours. A partnership with private Outlier Jets makes your arrival and departure a breeze — customs is handled on board, and ground transportation will be ready and waiting.
Nestled in the mountains, over 1,000 feet above sea level, is Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort. Its focus is on wellness and clean eating, as its restaurants, on property and off, rely on produce grown by farmers who live nearby.
St. Kitts isn’t the place you come to do just one thing. It’s the place where your inner thrill seeker, your wellness devotee, your barefoot-luxury self can all show up on the same itinerary. One minute you’re zip-lining through the rainforest or diving a reef, the next you’re soaking in volcanic stone baths or sipping something local with your toes in the sand. That narrow strip of land between the Atlantic and Caribbean? It’s more than a geographic quirk — it’s a perfect metaphor for a destination that lets you have it both ways.
Featured image courtesy of St Kitts and Nevis Tourism. In Partnership with St Kitts and Nevis Tourism.
